The Pacers have until Jan. 25 to offer Hibbert a contract extension. He will be a restricted free agent if the sides don't agree to a deal by then. Pacers president Larry Bird said earlier this week the team has not begun talking about a new deal with Hibbert.

In the past, it was easy to tell how Hibbert was playing in a game by simply looking at his body language on the court. He played well when he was energetic, scored in the post, blocked shots or pointed up to his Area55 fan section at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Things weren't going his way when his energy level was low or he sulked on the bench.

Now, Hibbert's doing his best to try to maintain a middle ground no matter the situation.

"He's getting older, more mature, he's comfortable in his role, and he knows the ups and downs are not going to change his role," coach Frank Vogel said. "I think because of that, you can react to that less."